The MLS has one of the highest players’ salary scales globally, along with major European soccer leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Série A.

Although foreign players tend to earn higher salaries in the Major League Soccer, homegrown American soccer players are also ranked at the top of the most paid MLS players.

So in 2022, who is the highest-paid MLS player? Which player earns the most in the USA Major League Soccer?

Top European stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic made the headline following their switch to the MLS. Beckham earned a whopping $6.5 million while Ibrahimovic also received $7 million.

Highest paid MLS players 2022

1. Carlos Vela ( Los Angeles Football Club) – $6.3 million

Carlos Vela is one of the most successful Mexican soccer players in the MLS. The former European ace joined Los Angeles FC in 2018.

Vela had his breakthrough in the MLS the second year, scoring the league’s most goals in a single season at 34. Vela’s performance helped the LAFC win the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield.

Today, Carlos Vela’s performance at the Los Angeles FC would not go unnoticed by the club’s fans. He won top awards, including the MLS MVP, MLS Best XI and All-Star consecutively in 2018 andI 2019.

2. Javier Hernandez (Los Angeles Galaxy) – $6 million 

Javier Hernandez is a renowned name in Mexican soccer and European football. The Mexican played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Leverkusen, and West Ham United, winning the Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Hernandez has been one of the best Mexican soccer players in the MLS since he arrived in 2021. At the LA Galaxy, Hernandez won the MLS Player of the Month for April and May.

3. Gonzalo Higuain (Inter Miami CF) – $5.7 million 

Former Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Napoli and Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuaín is one of the most prominent players in the MLS. The Argentine joined David Beckham owned franchise CF Inter Miami in 2020.

The Beckman owned franchise CF Inter Miami has started slowly in the Eastern Conference despite moves to improve the club’s fortunes. 

Higuaín has won major trophies in Europe, including the Série A, La Liga, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Europa League.

4. Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) – $4.6 million 

Alejandro Pozuelo is the highest-paid player on the Toronto FC player payroll. The Spanish soccer player joined the club from Belgian First Division side KRC Genk.

Alejandro Pozuelo has played for other European clubs, including Real Betis, Swansea City, and Rayo Vallecano. In 2019, he was a core member of a team that made the Eastern Conference Championship (Playoffs).

Ever since Alejandro Pozuelo switched to Toronto FC, he’s been consistent and contributed immensely to the first team.

5. Luiz Araujo (Atlanta United) – $3.9 million 

Luiz Araujo is one of the best players in Atlanta United right now. The Brazilian soccer player plays in the Midfield and is one of the standout players in the team.

Luiz Araujo joined Atlanta United from French side Lille in 2021 following his role in the club’s Ligue 1 title success at the expense of Paris Saint-Germain. He scored four goals during the campaign across all competitions for the club.

6. Josef Martinez (Atlanta United) – $3.8 million

Josef Alexander has established himself as a strong force in Atlanta United’s forward line. The 28-year old Ecuadorian soccer player holds the MLS record for career hat-tricks with six in his first 44 games.

Loads of records for Josef Martinez, he scored 100 goals in the MLS faster than any single player in league history at 125 games. He also became the most decorated single-season player in the history of Major League Soccer by winning the MLS MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Golden Boot, and MLS Cup Final MVP in 2018.

7. Jozy Altidore (New England Revolution) –  $3.6 million 

Jozy Altidore is one of the most consistent forwards in Major League Soccer. The 32-year old USMNT star plays for the New England Revolution.

Altidore is one of the most successful American soccer players right now. At a glance, he has won the MLS Cup, Canadian Championship, and two CONCACAF Gold Cups.

8. Rodolfo Pizarro (Inter Miami CF) – $3.3 million 

Gilbert Pizarro Thomas is the highest-paid player at Inter Miami. The 28-year old Mexican soccer player joined the club in 2019 from CF Monterrey.

9. Maxi Moralez (New York City FC) – $3.2 million 

Maximiliano Nicolás is an Argentine professional soccer player playing as an attacking midfielder for the New York City FC. 

Maxi had one of New York City’s best performances in the historic MLS Cup final win over Portland Timbers in 2021. In 2019 he made both the MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI final shortlist.

10. Victor Wanyama (CF Montreal) – $3.09 million 

Victor Wanyama is one of the household names in Major League Soccer. The Kenya soccer player burst into the scene following his switch to CF Montreal in 2020.

Wanyama played a big part in CF Montreal’s 2021 Canadian Championship final victory against Toronto FC. The Kenyan is one of the most outstanding Midfielders in the Major League Soccer.

Victor Wanyama has played for top clubs, including Celtic, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.